If this is your first visit, be sure to
check out the FAQ by clicking the
link above. You may have to register
before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages,
select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below.

Flux Core Wire?

06-21-2006, 01:56 PM

Hi, I have been working on some projects with my Lincoln Pro-Core 100 welder. It is the flux core model. I was wanting some opinions from some other welders about the best flux core wire. If you have an opinion please share it.
thanx.

I've used flux core off and on but dont realy like it, puts off to much spatter and I dont think the weld is all that nice looking. I like using gas, I feel like it gives me better control over my weld.

Comment

The best deal out there is at Home Depot, of all places. If your little guy will handle .035" wire, they sell Lincoln Innershield E71T-11 for $40 for 10#. No welding shop or online source comes near that deal that I've seen yet.

Comment

Back to my original opinion -
I think you'd be much better off moving up to at least a 135A unit.
100A - 1/8" - off the top of my head I think you'd be at the ragged edge.
Much better off with a 135.
Anything thicker you would want a 175 or more.

Comment

the best flux core wire out there i think is
fabco hobart xl-71 .045 and the esab 7100 ultra dual sheild.
co2 is the only gas i think you could use unless you use a
self sheilding wire but keep in mind this wire is verrrry smoky
and also this wire i think has to be run on straight polarity.

Comment

the best flux core wire out there i think is
fabco hobart xl-71 .045 and the esab 7100 ultra dual sheild.
co2 is the only gas i think you could use unless you use a
self sheilding wire but keep in mind this wire is verrrry smoky
and also this wire i think has to be run on straight polarity.

I reeeeeaaaaalllllyyy don't think he will be using that wire in a 100a, 120v MIG unit.

Comment

Esab Dual Sheild 7100 Ultra and Lincoln Outshield 71M are flux core wires (minimum dia of 0.035) meant to be used with gas, especially steel mix in 75/25 Argon/CO2 Ratio. The amperage and voltage reguirements to run this wire properly will put it in machines like the MM DVI (on 220V) and larger.

To use true gasless flux core, IMHO, you need to use that in a machine meant to run that way. I have used some of this type wire in my MM200, to get by until I got regular wire or Esab/Lincoln Gas/Flux back in the machine, put it only worked by running REVERSE POLARITY.

I think you should invest in a bigger and better machine, like the MM210, get some 75/25 Steel Mix and some Lincoln Outshield 71M in 0.035. Keep some Hobart ER-70S in 0.030 around for lighter work. If you need even smaller wire, get that wire, the proper size rollers and an extra gun lined for the smaller wire for a quick change over.

I only run 0.035 and 1/8" is the lightest thing I ever weld. Most of the time, its 1/4" to 3/8" with an ocassional 1/2".

Comment

Ok, I will ignore the obviously childish poke and let you look at it this way. The original question was regarding a 100a 120v MIG unit. Since .035 gas shielded flux core has a range of 23-28 vdc and amperage range beginning at 125 amps, his machine would never even begin to run the stuff........so why bring shielded flux core up?

It looks like I did use some sense and actually know the parameters of the wire in question.